Resources for Parenting Around Technology

Technology will impact your family. Whether that impact is positive or negative depends on how you integrate it into your family
including the limits you set. Below are ideas for establishing healthy media usage in your family and dealing with problematic media usage.

Establishing Healthy Tech Use

How can I create a family media plan? The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a free tool for creating your
own Family Media Plan.

How can I find guidance in limiting my kids' screen time? The
Families Managing Media site provides resources and ideas for setting healthy boundaries on your kids' technology.

How do I evaluate if an app, game or movie is appropriate for my kids?
You can find digital media reviews at Common Sense Media's site.
You can also sign up for their weekly email to learn about the latest tech.

What internet rules should I be setting? Here's an example of internet rules:

What should I do when my kids complain about being bored when not using digital devices? Have them write down non-technology
things they like to do on slips of paper.
Put those paper slips into a container. The next time they are bored, have them draw two slips from the container and choose one
of the activities. If they are struggling for ideas, they can get
Boredom Busting Activity Ideas from other kids.

I just found out my kid has been viewing porn. Now what should I do? Like most parents in this situation, you're probably
feeling a lot of strong emotions. The Protect Young Minds site offers a
free guide for helping kids who have seen pornography. Ran Gavrieli's Ted Talk "Why I Stopped Watching Porn"
is excellent for understanding the consequences of watching porn.
Fortify is a science-based online program for quitting porn and teens can subscribe for free.

What should I do if I think my child is seriously addicted to gaming, the internet or cellphones? If your child's usage
becomes more than you can handle seek professional help. Programs are available like the residential
reSTART Internet Addiction
Recovery Program located in Fall City, WA and Dr. Kimberly Young's
Net Addiction programs.